HighPoint Planning Partners

01/02/2025

How long will your retirement money last with regular withdrawals? Have you run the numbers?

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

12/31/2024

🥂🎉 As the year comes to an end, let's raise a toast to the memories we've created, the lessons we've learned, and the new beginnings ahead. Wishing you a joyful New Year's Eve filled with love, laughter, and excitement for the adventures that await in the coming year.

🥂🎉

12/31/2024

Your needs don’t stay the same when the nest empties, but what changes?

Do your insurance needs stay the same when the nest empties?

12/27/2024

What Happens To Your Employer-Sponsored Retirement Accounts When You Change Jobs? Find out in our latest video.

This video discusses issues related to your retirement accounts when you move on from your job.

12/26/2024

The average college senior graduates with credit card debt. How will your kids manage money?

You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money?

12/24/2024

Tax deferral can have a dramatic affect on the growth of an investment. Know what's at stake.

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

12/23/2024

Move over axolotls—capybaras are having their moment this holiday season! These adorable South American rodents are taking over everything from plush toys to home goods, showing up on products from slippers to phone cases.



🎁 The rise of these friendly creatures tells an interesting story about retail trends: Social media is now the driving force behind which animals become the next big thing. In fact, plush toy sales have soared 115% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while the trend cycle moves faster than ever.



It's interesting to see how consumer trends evolve. Who knows which creature will capture our hearts next year? Maybe it'll be the water bear! 🔍

Capybaras are having a big moment. The world’s largest rodent is the latest in a long line of “it” animals to get star treatment during the holiday season.

12/23/2024

The Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25%, bringing the target range to 4.25-4.5%. While markets anticipated this move, what's particularly interesting is the Fed's signal of fewer rate cuts ahead than previously expected.



A few key takeaways from Chair Powell's announcement:

- The Fed has now reduced rates by a full percentage point from peak levels
- Economic growth projections for the year were actually raised to 2.5%
- Only two more cuts are expected in 2025, half of what was projected in September



As we look ahead to 2025, the Fed's cautious approach to future rate reductions suggests a continued focus on balanced economic growth and price stability. 💫

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced its decision on interest rates.

12/20/2024

Thinking about what kind of legacy you’d like to leave? A charitable foundation may be right for you. Check out the video to learn more:

Want to do more with your wealth? You might want to consider creating a charitable foundation.

12/19/2024

For many, retirement starts a new phase of life. Are you getting prepared for your new phase?

This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

12/18/2024

Want to know what's really driving prices in 2024? Here's what today's inflation report reveals: 🌟



While overall consumer prices saw their biggest monthly jump since April, there are some surprising shifts beneath the surface. Hotel stays and food costs are key drivers right now, with egg prices surging 8.2% due to avian flu concerns.



But it's not all price increases - cereal and bakery products just recorded their largest price drop in over 30 years.



The housing market brings encouraging signs: rental costs are rising at the slowest rate since summer 2021. These varying trends show how economic forces affect different parts of our daily lives in unique ways.



Understanding these patterns helps make more informed financial decisions. 💡

U.S. consumer prices increased in November by the most in seven months, but the Federal Reserve was still expected to deliver a third consecutive interest rate cut next week to support a labor market that has been cooling.

12/18/2024

🚜 Technology is amazing... until the sun has other plans!



Who knew our modern farming heroes were battling not just weather and market prices but solar storms too? In May 2024, farmers across the Midwest experienced something straight out of a sci-fi movie: their GPS-guided tractors going "demon-possessed" during one of the largest solar storms in decades.



Here's a wild fact: 80% of Midwest farmers now rely on GPS technology for precision farming. When solar storms hit, those perfectly straight crop rows? Not so perfect anymore! Imagine driving a high-tech tractor that suddenly decides to dance across the field. Talk about an unexpected light show with consequences! ✨

When the sun's fury disrupts high-tech farming, precision turns to chaos.